Concussion

Concussion is a traumatic brain injury that is a blow or jolt to the head that can temporarily or permanently impair a student's physical abilities and change how the student thinks, acts and learns in school.

Physical symptoms that may occur are headache, nausea, light and noise sensitivity, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, changes in emotional state and it may reduce concentration. Concussions may also change school performance such as short-term memory, concentration, organizational skills and completing assignments and tests.

It is important that a physician evaluates your child for any concussion symptoms and designs a plan of recovery with you as parents and the school. There are usually four stages of recovery:

Red Stage- Students typically do not attend school (2-4 days). TV, reading, cell phone & computers are limited.Orange Stage- School attendance is half days and activity continues to be limited.﻿﻿Yellow Stage﻿﻿- School attendance is full day. Increasing homework and major test taking once a day.Green Stage- School attendance is full-time and normal activities are resumed.

The above stages will vary with each student, depending on the severity of symptoms.

Any student with a suspected concussion must see a physician and have a documented Concussion Plan of Recovery in place for school. A physician note is needed to return to school and to participate in sports.

For more information on concussion and the treatment plan, please visit www.cdc.gov/concussion.

Below is the Head Injury Reporting Form for parents to fill out during sports season when your child has been hurt. The form is called- Report of Head Injury During Sports Season Form available to download, fill out and return to school.